Canon EOS 7D Mark II Review – Performance

While there have been a great number of improvements across the range of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II’s specification, arguably the most important improvement comes to the camera’s autofocus set-up.

The model features an impressive 65 focus points which manage to cover a wide range of the frame, and perhaps the more importantly all of the 65 points are of the more accurate and sensitive cross-type variety.

The model also has the added benefit of the cross-type point in the centre of the frame offering focusing right down to -3EV exposure stops, while it’s also sensitive between f/2.8 and f/8, making it function well with telephoto lenses and teleconvertor attached.

The combination of the aperture sensitivity and -3EV exposure sensitivity promises to deliver some really impressive focusing performance in low light conditions, and during testing we generally found that to be the case. Even when shooting in the dark conditions of a music concert the 7D Mark II managed to select the correct point from its 65 and deliver frequently sharp images.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II sensor and mirror

Tracking AF

The AF system also offers an advanced iTR AF tracking mode powered by Canon’s latest 150k-pixel metering sensor, a set-up which makes the process of tracking moving subjects travelling through the frame a simple one.

This advanced AF set-up is akin to both the 5D Mark III and the EOS-1D X insofar as it features its own dedicated advanced focusing menu. This menu offers full customisation and can therefore be tailored to exactly suit the subject in question.

In practice the combination of AF tracking and continuous shooting is incredibly effective, with the fact you can tailor the set-up to suit your needs particularly welcome.

Another feature of the camera’s AF performance which has been improved is the focusing performance during video recording. Much like the 70D, the 7D Mark II features Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology that is perfectly suited to smooth focusing during video capture.